As of March 28, 2020, Residential Real Estate Services are now considered an essential service. (the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) updated its list of essential services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis and expressly included residential real estate) California incorporates this list. If a city or county has an order with a more restrictive standard regarding what qualifies as an essential service, or more restrictions on activities, those guidelines will still govern the activities of a licensee.
Notwithstanding this addition to the Essential Service List:
- No open houses should be held.
- Showings should be done virtually, if at all possible.
You can find a FAQ and more information on recommended best practices at the California Association of Realtors website, here.